3 November 2026: Finalists in the 2026 Sunshine Coast Business Awards came together on Monday night to celebrate their achievement, connect with one another and meet the sponsors who make the program possible, ahead of the Gala Dinner next month.
The annual Finalists Event brought together businesses from all 19 categories – from tourism operators and tradies to manufacturers, health providers and exporters – for the last gathering before winners are revealed on Saturday 28 November.
This year’s 133 finalists were selected from 247 applications, with around 54 per cent of entrants progressing after written submissions and interviews with a panel of volunteer judges.
“Being named a finalist is a real achievement, and this night is about stopping to celebrate that with people who understand what it takes,” Sunshine Coast Business Awards Chair Jennifer Swaine said.
“It’s a room full of businesses that are growing, employing locals and doing extraordinary things, and there’s a real sense of camaraderie – even among those competing in the same category.”
The evening also featured the annual finalists’ masterclass, designed to spark fresh ideas and show businesses how to make the most of their finalist status – and, for those who go on to win, how to leverage that recognition.
This year’s masterclass was delivered by Dr Karen Sutherland, Senior Lecturer in Public Relations at the University of the Sunshine Coast and a Certified AI Consultant.
Dr Sutherland shared practical ideas for getting more out of marketing and communication, including where new tools can save time, and how finalists can amplify their Awards story with customers, staff and partners.
Dr Sutherland is the author of Strategic Social Media Management: Theory and Practice and co-author of Transmedia Brand Storytelling. Her honours include a Gold Stevie Award for Woman of the Year (Social Media) and the Social Media Marketing Institute’s Social Media Educator of the Year, and she has appeared on ABC News Breakfast, Nine News and in the Wall Street Journal.
Swaine said the masterclass was about giving finalists something they could take straight back into their businesses.
“We want every finalist to walk away with ideas they can put to work on Monday morning,” she said.
“Karen has a real gift for making big topics practical, and she showed our finalists there are simple things every small and medium business can do to tell their story better.
Swaine said the evening was also a valuable chance for finalists and sponsors to build connections.
“Our sponsors make this program possible, and the Finalists Event is one of the best opportunities for them to meet the businesses they’re supporting,” she said.
“Many of the relationships that start in this room carry on well beyond the Awards, and that’s a big part of the value of being involved.
“We also encourage every finalist to make the most of their status – share it with customers, staff and partners. It’s an independent recognition of the work they’re doing, and it carries real weight.”
Attention now turns to the Sunshine Coast Business Awards Gala Dinner at the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre on Saturday 28 November, where category winners will be announced alongside the Export, Sustainability, Corporate Community Champion and Business of the Year awards.
Advanced Aquarium Technologies, Sunny Rays Catering, Laguna Pest Control and Alex Surf Club will also be inducted into the Hall of Fame on the night, with actor and comedian Shane Jacobson returning as Master of Ceremonies.
“The Finalists Event is always a highlight because everyone is still in the running,” Swaine said.
“In five weeks we’ll be back together to celebrate the winners, and I know it’s going to be a big night for the Sunshine Coast business community.”
Ends.
For more information, images and interviews please contact:
Heather Mollins | 0412421411 | heather@commspeople.au
Jennifer Swaine | 0438952830 | jen@commspeople.au